LIA Tavern

I had an amazing experience at LIA! I came in with a reservation for three, but quite a few more friends ended up joining us for cocktails and the staff handled it seamlessly. Our server was incredibly informative and helped guide us through the menu, offering great recommendations for both food and drinks. Everything we tried was delicious!!! The octopus(most tender I have ever had!), monkfish, cacio e pepe, fluffy pillows, and pork tenderloin were all standouts. I also had two cocktails, both of which were expertly made and so tasty! The ambiance was very cool with funky art on all the walls. LIA is definitely a new favorite in Chicago. Highly recommend!!!

As a connoisseur of great food and a member of the food service industry, this place goes beyond being a hidden gem in Chicago. From the menu to the decor, the creators of this fine establishment knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. So much so that I came back a second time to enjoy the tasting menu with my girlfriend on our anniversary(our first visit was with some other industry folks, and we did share plate style; needless to say, we all loved it). I'm no stranger to good food as I've had the opportunity to enjoy many great spots, but to keep the focus on what I loved about this place, I will forgo mentioning them. The artist hosting concept has such a jazzy feel and tongue-in-cheek references to some favorite phrases that can be heard in most of the places you go out to. This initial decor disarmed me on my initial visit and did not prepare my mouth for the level of quality the chef had to throw at us. Their cocktails were well-thought-out, allowing for something for everyone, whether it be the refreshing Jackson's paint can. Or the continuously wonderful flavors of the spicy guest check. Rachid and the bartender that we had the first time we came to visit were amazing(can't remember his name because we had too much fun that night). But, of course, Rachid made our third anniversary special, literally throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us, in my opinion, when it came to service and details. I cannot wait for the chef to have fun with the menu and change it up. In the coming months, I also hate the fact that I'm going to miss a lot of this food that I've come to enjoy over the past week. I don't know how much longer this place is going to stay a hidden gem, but I know the team here can only keep doing better! As a connoisseur of great food and a member of the food service industry, I can without a doubt say this place goes beyond being a hidden gem in Chicago. From the menu to the decor, the creators of this fine establishment knew what they were doing and executed it perfectly. So much so that I came back a second time to enjoy the tasting menu with my girlfriend on our anniversary(our first visit was with some other industry folks, and we did share a plate style; needless to say, we all loved it).

One of the best meals I've ever had! I love that they have craft mocktails for those of us who don't drink alcohol. The tasting menu was so much fun and really reasonably priced for the experience, amount, and quality of food. Every course was absolutely delicious, everything was cooked perfectly, and we left full and happy. The service was incredible, with multiple servers and one of the owners checking on us throughout the meal to make sure everything was good but at no point did we feel like we were being rushed. It felt like we were eating at a friend's house the amount of times we were asked if we wanted anything else. The space is really neat with art everywhere (as you'd expect) and just an amazing atmosphere. We'll definitely be back!

Fun, casual atmosphere. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Chefs came out to introduce some items. Everything we got had a unique presentation and tested amazing. I highly recommend the Fluffy Pillows, which were Japanese-style savory bread puffs.

Went in for a few drinks at the bar. The bartenders were super nice and provided excellent service especially Matthew. Pleasantly surprised that they have a happy hour everyday from 5-6:30 with $10 cocktails. the ambiance is nice and will definitely be back

Incredible experience as soon as you walk in. The first thing that grabs your attention is the art. Giant Pollock-inspired piece, created by the owner himself. Second is the service, thanks to our man of the hour Rashid, who was attentive the entire time. Each cocktails was a work of art with unique flavor profiles. Last but not least, each plate did not disappoint. We left incredible full but also content. Would recommend to everyone.

Food was phenomenal, the tasting menu was delicious. Loved that you got a taste of various dishes each with a unique connection to the art. Drinks were amazing with an eye to every little detail. I love the Warhol martini and espresso martini that has colored espressos to add detail to the top. The ambience is superb with an amazing modern artistic allure. I’ll be back many times!

I happened to be walking by this past Thursday afternoon and decided to stop in for a drink. The staff welcomed me and let me sit at the bar, though I didn't have a reservation. I decided to order a craft cocktail and a couple of vegetarian appetizers. The bourbon cockatil, the Creole Paper Plane, was a nice refreshing blend of chilled bourbon with lemon, maple and rosemary. Next up was the Beets & Beets salad. Absolutely amazing, I'm now a huge fan. I've never been a huge beets fan before. Last but not least, the Edamame Hummus with the huge wonton chips was perfect. It taste exactly what edamame should taste like as hummus. Great surprise. I will definitely stop back in and continue to explore their eclectic menu. 12/10.

Awesome new restaurant. Welcome edition to River North - exactly what the area needs! The atmosphere is fun, upscale, but not pretentious. Great cocktails - the Warhol Martini was perfect. While we enjoyed all the food we ordered, the octopus, chorizo dates and ribeye really stood out! Will be back soon!

LIA is colorful, the design, the artwork, the entire aesthetic is really well done. It feels like you're stepping into a trendy, curated space with a lot of visual appeal. I was excited walking in... but unfortunately, the food and drinks just didn't hold up. The menu sounds creative and the presentations were nice, but the actual flavors were underwhelming. Most dishes felt like they were trying to be inventive without really nailing the basics. Nothing we had stood out, everything looked better than it tasted. Same with the cocktails: pretty on paper, but flat in execution. We left feeling like we'd paid more for the concept than the quality. To top it off, the service was slow. Really slow and all the dishes came out at the same time. No one was rude, but the pacing and attentiveness just wasn't there.

Very mid. Two dishes were pretty good & one cocktail was decent. Everything else was a sleeper & hard pass. Shrimp with the addition of capers, broth & aioli in said broth had some bold & good flavor. Enjoyed the fluffy pillow albeit it being merely truffle oil. Risotto tasted like water truffle lobster pasta was just boring for lack of a better term. Maple old fashioned was decent but be mindful of that fact that it was minuscule when not served on the rocks. Jackson's paint cocktail was boring even with the theatrics. Twas about $200 which seems standard at any restaurant for a couple these days. Art aspect wasn't explained despite being half this place's philosophy. I wouldn't return. Seems more like a lite bite & quick drink place

If you love art, you'll love LIA. The intention put behind the decor and art pieces on the wall add that much more depth to the food that's so delicious in itself. The owner even created the Pollock-style art piece on the wall, which definitely symbolizes the eclectic pieces that somehow all go together. Lastly, our French server, Rachid, was chef's kiss Not only did he share so much insight about the courses, he was also so fun to talk to in between bites. I'm definitely bringing my other friends visiting Chicago!

Ahh! This used to be Bohemian House. Remember that! I had the Fried Milk Bread and a craft cocktail. The staff and service are bodacious.

New restaurant in river north! Tasting menu was a great deal $180 which includes an alcohol pairing (champagne, cocktails, wine, espresso martinis!) They also offer the tasting menu for $120 if you're not drinking! Highly recommend checking out this new artistic concept! Atmosphere is really cool with great music. Nice upscale place but not too fancy! I was told they also have happy hour which I look forward to coming back and trying. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. 10/10!

Food was phenomenal, the tasting menu was delicious. Loved that you got a taste of various dishes each with a unique connection to the art. Drinks were amazing with an eye to every little detail. I love the Warhol martini and espresso martini that has colored espressos to add detail to the top. The ambience is superb with an amazing modern artistic allure. I'll be back many times!

Small portions, but oh my god the food was amazing. We got the green curry banana leaf fish with jasmine rice dish - it was 10/10.